Grace was the midwife who looked after me whilst I was in labour. She looked after me for 2 nights in a row. I had a very traumatic birth and she was one of the only positive things through the whole experience. She was very calming and compassionate throughout the whole experience.

There were many times that Grace was amazing through it all. But there is one particular moment that sticks out the most. When I had to be taken to theatre Grace not only helped to save our baby's life but also helped to keep me reassured. Our baby's shoulders were stuck. Grace was really calm through this; she helped save our baby's life in this emergency situation. Our baby then had to be resuscitated and was quickly rushed to the Neonate unit. My partner went with him. Although I encouraged my partner to do this, and I wanted him with our baby, I was then left alone in a very vulnerable position. I was haemorrhaging and scared for myself and my baby. Grace held my hand through it all. She reassured me and was a very calming presence. She told me what was happening when I asked, something that she had learned I appreciated, and direct answers to what I was asking. And she was just there for me when I felt like I didn't have anyone. She was a familiar face.

After the part in theatre, Grace then managed to keep us updated on what was happening with our baby. She is an amazing midwife who is a credit to the Leeds team. We will never forget Grace for not only what she did for me, but also what she did for our baby. For keeping professional and calm in an emergency, whilst also being compassionate and beyond caring during and after. You can tell Grace is a midwife because she cares not just for the job. I hope everyone has a midwife like Grace Handy.